Gunners lose veteran to City

Mikel Arteta has snubbed Arsenal’s offer to join the club’s coaching staff and has instead agreed to join Manchester City.

The Spaniard hung up his boots at the end of last season and was in tears as he left the field at the Emirates Stadium on his final appearance for the club in their 4-0 win over Aston Villa.

The 34-year-old, who missed much of his final campaign as a player through injury, was offered the chance to work with Arsenal’s academy players but has turned down the opportunity in order to link up with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.

Arteta has long been linked with a move to City due to his strong relationship with Guardiola and an announcement on his appointment to the Spaniard’s staff is expected shortly.

Arteta, who was also offered a role by Tottenham, is said to have left Arsenal on good terms and the door has been left open for him to return to the red half of north London in the future.